Timothy Leary and Psychedelics in the 60’s
During the 1960’s the youth of America was looking for answers, about the Vietnam War and other aspects of society. With the introduction of LSD and other psychedelic drugs, Timothy Leary, and others taught the youth of America that it was acceptable to free one’s mind, and question authority. Protests burst out all over the United States and the “hippie” generation was born.
Before 1962 few people had known about LSD. LSD is a tasteless, colorless, odorless substance that can be taken in many forms, including capsules and sugar cube. By 1970, between one to two million people had experienced an LSD “trip.” The demand for the drug grew from the years of 1962 to 1969. The more it was publicized, the more youth wanted to try it. Not many people paid attention to the drug until an ex-West Point, Harvard University professor took notice to the drug and started a revolution.
Timothy Leary was born October 22, 1920 in Springfield, Mass. He attended West Point for a short time but was kicked out because he did not fit in well. After serving in World War II, Leary earned a PhD from The University of California Berkley. His first wife committed suicide, and shortly after he moved on to Harvard. During a 1960 trip to Mexico, Leary first tried drugs, specifically mushrooms. He returned to Harvard and started the Harvard Psilocybin Project. This project studied the effects of psilocybins on humans. Leary experienced his first LSD trip in 1962 and described it as “The most shattering experience of my life”. After this first trip, Leary became the spokesperson for LSD.
Taking LSD and listening to the advice of Timothy Leary and other psychedelic pioneers affected the youth of America immensely. Leary urged the youth to question authority, especially in regard to the war in Vietnam, as well as the draft. He suggested that LSD expanded the minds and made people think of alternative ways of solving problems.
After Leary spent time in prison he escaped to Algeria and Switzerland with the company of his second wife. He was found in 1973 by government officials in Afghanistan before being sent back to serve prison time in California. He found joy in the last 20 years of his life by lecturing to groups and writing books. He died, surrounded by close friends in his own bed from prostate cancer in 1997. Without Leary the 1960’s would not be the same.
Researched by Annie Precourt
Volunteer for the Cold War Museum
Cosby High School
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Fabrikant, Dr. Craig. “Vietnam War Protests ”. Memory Archvie. April 30, 2008
“Timothy Leary”. Erowild. April 29, 2008
“Timothy Learys Influence of Others”. Wikipedia. April 29, 2008
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